Intent
At Gusford, we believe that a life with proficient English skills opens doors and opportunities for the future. We strive for this for all of our pupils.
We aim to equip pupils with the strategies and knowledge of the rules of the English language as well as the skills to be able to be an effective writer for any purpose which they require or desire. With this, we aspire for pupils to leave our primary school with the ability to understand the English language as well as using it to read, speak and write to a high standard and be able to use this across the curriculum and into their future life.
Implementation
Our approach to English and writing at Gusford, is reading, writing and grammar learning based around a Talk4Writing unit. Our English units provide opportunities for pupils to talk, read and analyse texts to enable them to gain a greater understanding of a range of text types. The intriguing and inspirational texts are a range of Pie Corbett and other suitable texts to inspire the pupils to take on new learning from a range of genres and use this to progress their own writing. We encourage a culture where pupils take pride and aspire to be the best they can be. Within the Early Years, Helicopter Stories are used to motivate and inspire our young pupils to listen to and tell stories, developing a love for language and developing their vocabulary. Throughout the school, we entwine the spelling and grammar learning to root the understanding with purpose. The use of the No Nonsense Schemes enables a thorough coverage and progression. We develop the knowledge of the grammatical rules of the English language as well as the skills to identify and explain the reasoning of the terms and use of grammar. Using the stimulating texts combined with the carefully planned sequence of learning, pupils are able and motivated to write purposeful pieces of writing with an intended audience and use of creativity and style.
Impact
The impact of this thorough, differentiated planning, following the schemes, is a curriculum which has a clear coverage, varied lessons and progressive learning. Our approach results in high quality writing which is based around the reading that pupils have studied as well as the grammatical learning interwoven within the unit. A clear sequence of learning develops the understanding and knowledge, building on previous learning. The inspiring texts, initial ‘hook’ lessons to begin each unit and the purposeful writing for an audience, stimulate a love of learning which is full of intrigue, excitement and determination to succeed.
Cross-Curricular Links
English and writing are linked within many subjects, including Science, History and Geography as well as the Arts, Maths, ICT and RE. Although many subjects use English and writing as a vehicle to their own learning and products, many developments in English can be fostered, including explanatory writing in Science and diary writing from a historical figure’s point of view. These cross-curricular links benefit both subjects and cultivate a love of learning, reading, writing and enriching knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.